Biography

One of the most versatile yet unsung of the early U.S. Olympians, Harold Rayner began his fencing career at the U.S. Military Academy where he won the IFA foil individual title in 1912. He also made the 1912 Olympic team, but it was at the 1920 Olympics where he attained his greatest success. Rayner was the leader of the foil team that won the bronze medal; he took part in the épée team event and finished sixth in the modern pentathlon. Rayner won the AFLA national championship in foil individual in 1922, was second in 1921, and third in 1920. In 1921, representing the Washington Fencers Club, he was a member of the team which won both the national foil team and épée team championships. Rayner’s entire military career was spent in the cavalry. He served at different times as an aide-de-camp to Presidents Wilson and Harding, and to General of the Armies John J. Pershing. Rayner retired in 1946, having achieved the rank of colonel.

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